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A friend has asked me to illustrate their manuscript. Should I do it?
It's not necessary for writers to find an illustrator before submitting their manuscript to publishers. Publishers usually prefer to find their own illustrators after they purchase the manuscript. If your friend has a good working relationship with the publisher, he/she could recommend you.
Submitting a manuscript/illustration package created by two different people can increase the chance of rejection. If the publisher likes the illustrations but not the story (or vice versa), it creates an awkward situation for them, you and your friend. Rather than offending anyone, it’s less complicated to reject the entire package.
What do you feel is the most effective way for a new illustrator to promote himself/herself?
Do market research to determine which publishers are suitable for your work, then mail a few color copies or printed samples of your very best illustrations of kids and animals to those publishers.
You can also:
- Attend SCBWI conferences and participate in portfolio reviews.
- Create your own website.
- Buy a sourcebook ad and mail the tearsheets that you get as part of the deal. Picturebook targets the children's illustration market.
- Advertise at Children’s Illustrators.
What’s the best way to do market research?
Almost all publishers have a web site where you can see what they publish:
You can also look through books at the library or bookstore and take notes on which publishers seem appropriate for your work.
Your local library should also have some sample magazines, or you can request sample magazines directly from the publishers. Be sure to enclose an SASE with appropriate postage and payment for the cost of the magazines.
Do I need an agent?
An agent isn’t required. Publishers commonly work directly with illustrators. An agent can be a convenience and an advantage. The typical agent’s commission is 25%. You’re more likely to interest an agent after you have some publishing credits and experience.
What form should samples take?
Color photocopies or color printouts from a high-quality color printer are fine. Label every sample with your name, address, phone number and email address. Slides are frowned upon. Some publishers also accept email submissions, but ask before sending. If this is welcome, keep your file sizes small and send jpegs or a PDF.
Is there an appropriate number of samples to send at a time?
For an initial mailing, try 5 samples. It’s good to show consistency of character and how you tell a story in pictures. Subsequent mailings could just be one piece, such as a postcard. If you send an entire portfolio don't send more than 12 pieces and NEVER EVER send original art!
What should I send for a first time mailing?
Some good color reproductions of kids and animals in action and showing emotion. Adults, objects, architecture, landscape are other good things to include, but kids should be first and foremost. You can send B&W work too.
Don't send anything you wouldn't want to do. If you hate drawing bicycles, don't send a sample of one.
You can also enclose a brief cover letter, response card and SASE so you can get your samples back and maybe even feedback.
How should I select publishers?
Choose those whose work you admire and who use work similar to yours in subjects that interest you.
Where do you get their names, addresses and contact names?
The SCBWI market reports and bulletins.
Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market book (CWIM)
Literary Market Place (LMP) in the library reference section or you can buy an online subscription.
Children's Book Insider newsletter
Do you send off the entire package unsolicited and hope for the best?
Yes. Some publishers respond in the first week, others take 3-4 months, a few up to a year or more. Some never respond.
You can include a response card and an SASE to hopefully learn whether they like your work or not.
Here’s an example of a response card:
___ I like your illustration samples. I'll keep them on file.
___ Please send me a full portfolio
___ Please send me new samples periodically
___ Your samples aren’t appropriate for our current needs
Comments_____________________________________________
You can also ask them to update their address on the address label you’ve attached to the response card.
Should I take my portfolio to New York City to show to publishers?
It can be a good way (although expensive) to make one-on-one contact with editors and art directors, if they have time to see you. Oftentimes, they’ll just have portfolio drop off days where you don’t meet with anyone. If you decide to try this, send samples with a written request for an appointment months in advance of the date you plan to arrive.
Are there different procedures for sending samples to magazines vs book publishers?
Not really.
How do you submit picturebook manuscript/illustration packages?
Check the publisher’s web site for instructions. Generally, send a dummy with text and rough sketches in place. Include at least one page done as final art. Also send the manuscript typed to conform with manuscript standards. Enclose an SASE and brief cover letter.
What is there to illustrate besides picture books?
There are many illustrations purchased for book covers and interior illustrations for early readers, workbooks and chapter books. There are also magazines and Sunday school papers, which are great ways to get started.
I have recently been contacted about illustrating a children's book for royalties only. Should I do it?
It’s a personal decision, but working on speculation is risky. The book may go out of print before you collect enough royalties to compensate you for your time. You have to wonder why the publisher isn’t willing to pay an advance.
Should I self-publish my book?
Self-publishing can be difficult and expensive. Self-published books may not get reviewed. It can be difficult to get your self-published book into bookstores. Oftentimes self-publishers run out of steam and end up with boxes of expensive books collecting dust. You have to be very motivated, have the financial resources to create a quality book and be willing to market your book for the long haul.
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